Clear Channel Looks to Profit From Telecom Boom

Clear Channel Communications is hoping for a “tremendous new revenue stream” thanks a new marketing agreement with Tower America. It will market space on its 1,250 radio and TV antennas in the United States to the telecommunications industry.
The arrangement supplements a similar deal announced last year for Tower America to market space for telecom antennas on CC’s outdoor properties, according to William Suffa, senior VP of capital management for the broadcast owner.
Clear Channel cites increased consumer demand for digital, wireless and 3G technologies as reasons that telecom companies want to expand their coverage footprint and to establish broader networks.
“Telecommunications companies now require a much denser infrastructure of antennas,” stated Rick Edwards, president of Tower America. “The ability to piggyback onto Clear Channel’s substantial network of broadcast towers, along with the billboard structures, gives these companies immediate access to sites they need at a substantially lower cost.”